Tennessee State Trooper Becomes Certified Crime Scene Investigator

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Maureen Velez became the agency’s first state trooper to earn national certification as a Crime Scene Investigator by the International Association for Identification (IAI). Trooper Velez is a member of the THP’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), serving the Memphis and Jackson Districts.

Trooper Velez tested to become a certified crime scene investigator (CSI) while attending the 10-week National Forensic Academy in Knoxville. She met the test requirements including a minimum of one year in crime scene related activities and a minimum of 48 hours of board approved training within the last five years. The examination to earn CSI certification was optional and separate from the academy.

“Maureen is the first and only Tennessee State Trooper who is a certified crime scene investigator. This is a great achievement for her, our Critical Incident Response Team, and the entire THP organization. Her skills will prove beneficial on crime scenes, and we hope to have more CSI troopers in the future,” Major John Albertson, who heads up the Special Investigations Bureau, said.

The CSI exam was held on May 11, 2013.  Individuals had three hours to complete the test. Trooper Velez received confirmation of her qualification this past Tuesday (5/28). The national certification is valid for five years.

In addition, Trooper Velez graduated from the National Forensic Academy on May 17.

Trooper Velez began her career with the THP in August of 2008. She was first assigned as a road trooper in Tipton County, and then transferred to CIRT Team 4 (Shelby County) in January 2010. Trooper Velez currently works with the CIRT Team in Madison County.

Trooper Velez is trained in several specialized areas, including crash reconstruction, advanced traffic crash investigation, grade crossing collision investigation and crime scene photography.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure that our state is a safe, secure place in which to live, work and travel; enforce the law with integrity; and provide customer-focused services professionally and efficiently.

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